Automatic signaling apparatus



Dec. 27, 1938. J. R. HANSEN AUTOMATIC SIGNALING APPARATUS- Filed June l; 1937 2 Sheets-Shevet lv TCM??? WHW l' Fw@ Dec. 27, 1938. .1. R. HANSEN I UTOMATIC SIGNALING APPARATUS .2 sheets-sheet 2 Filed June -1, 1937 Patented Dec. 27, 1938 UNi'i'ED STATES arnese @ATENE QFFiiE 4 Claims.

This invention relates to an automatic signaling apparatus designed primarily for use on automobiles, trucks and trailers, but it is to be understood that an apparatus in accordance with this invention is to be used in any connection for which it is found applicable.

The invention has for its object to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a signaling apparatus including a signal arm capable of l() being extended to different signaling positions and with the positions of the arm selectively controlled by a Vacuum created by the propulsion means for the vehicle with which the signaling apparatus is associated.

The invention has for its further object to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth,

a signaling apparatus including a projectable and retractable signal arm having its projected and retracted movements controlled from a vacuum created by the propulsion means for the vehicle with which the signaling apparatus is associated.

The invention has for its further object to provide in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a signaling apparatus including a signal arm capable of being selectively extended to signaling positions i. e., in a horizontal plane to indicate left turn and in an inclined plane with respect to the horizontal to indicate right turn and slow, and automatic operable means controlled by the vac- 3 uum created by the propulsion means of the vehicle with which the signaling apparatus is associated for extending the arm from normal to its selected signaling position and for retracting it from signaling position to normal.

Further objects of the invention are to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a signaling apparatus for the purpose referred to which is comparatively simple in its construction and arrangement, strong, durable, for installation Within the vehicle with which it is to be associated, selectively controlled, Vacuum operated, automatic in its action, thoroughly efficient in use, readily assembled and comparatively inexpensive to manufacture.

With the foregoing and other objects which may hereinafter appear, the invention consists of the novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts as more speciicalli7 referred to and illustrated by the accompanying drawings wherein is shown an embodiment of the invention, but it is to be understood that changes, variations and modifications may be resorted to which fall within the scope of the invention as 55 claimed.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the signaling apparatus,

Figure 2 is a fragmentary view in side elevation showing the signal arm, in full lines in left turn 5 signaling position and in dotted lines in right turn and slow signaling position,

Figure 3 is a section on line 33, Figure 1,

Figure 4 is a section on line 4 4, Figure 1,

Figure 5 is a fragmentary view in longitudinal 41 0 section of the apparatus,

Figure 6 is a side elevation of the controlling valve structure,

Figure 7 is a top plan View of the controlling valve structure, 15

Figure 8 is a section on line 8 8, Figure 7,

Figure 9 is a top plan View of the controlling valve structure with the capv thereof removed,

Figure l0 is a section on line Ill-I0, Figure 8,

Figure l1 is an inverted plan of the valve mem- 20 ber of the controlling valve structure,

Figure 12 is a section on line I2-i2, Figure 8,

Figure 13 is -a section on line I3-I3, Figure 9,

Figure 14 is a diagrammatical view of the illuminating circuit, and 25 vFigure 15 is an elevation looking towards the outer face of the closure plate for the rear end of the combined guide and housing element for the signal arm.

The apparatus includes a horizontally disposed combined guide and housing element I5 for an extendible, retractable and angularly adjustable signaling arm or element I5. The element I5 is to be installed within the Vehicle with which the apparatus is associated in a manner to enable for the arm I6 to be extended laterally to signaling position from one side of the vehicle and retracted from such position. When used iny connection with a motor vehicle it is preferably arranged forwardly of the instrument board, but disposed in the same manner aforesaid in connection with a side of the motor vehicle. That side of the vehicle with which the apparatus is to be associated is to be so formed to permit of the element I6 being extended and retracted 45 laterally with respect to such side. The outer end of the element I5 may be either fastened permanently to a side of the vehicle or provided with a cap piece I'I drawn firm against and secured to said side. The inner end of element I5 may 50 be anchored to the body of the vehicle by any suitable means. The element I5 preferably will be of square cross section. The outer end I8 of element I5 is open. The inner end I9 of element I5 is closed by a rectangular closure plate 20 55 which depends from the bottom of element I5. The plate 2D is formed with superposed spaced upper, intermediate and lower openings 2|, 22, 23 respectively which are intersected centrally by the vertical median of said plate. Integral with the outer face of plate 20 is a pair of parallel rearwardly extending upper tie bars 24 and a pair of lower rearwardly extending combined guide and tie bars 25. The bars 24 are arranged at the upper corners of plate 20. The bars 25 are disposed centrally of plate 29 and align with the bars 24. The rear ends of the bars 24, 25 are threaded and carry clamping nuts 26. Mounted on the rear ends of the bars 24, 25 is a vertical clamping plate 21 formed near its upper end centrally thereof with an opening 28. Clamped between the plates 29, 21 is a piston cylinder 29 having its forward end abutting plate 20 and surrounds in spaced relation the opening 2|. The rear end of cylinder 29 abuts the plate 21 and surrounds in spaced relation the opening 28. Anchored to the wall of opening 28 is the intake nipple 30 of a combined air supply and suction line 3|. The cylinder 29 forms a combined air intake and suction chamber SIe.

Suspended below the element I is a cylinder 32 having its inner end formed with an axially apertured closure head 33. The opening in head 33 is indicated at 34. The outer end of cylinder 32 is closed by a head 35 having its central portion offset as at 36 to provide a clearance. The head 35 is anchored to the bottom of and depends from element I5 in proximity to the outer end of the latter. The cylinder 32 in connection with the head 35 provides a combined air intake and vacuum chamber 31. The cylinder 32 is arranged between and anchored to the head 35 and the lower portion of plate 26. The opening 34 in head 33 registers with the opening 23 in plate 26.

Operating in the cylinder 29 is a piston head 38 which is connected to the rear end of a piston rod 39. The latter extends through opening 2| into the element I5 and into element I6. The forward end of rod 39 is connected to element I6, intermediate the ends of the latter, as at 40. The piston head 38 and rod 39 constitutes a suction operated retractor for the element I6. The retractor is held by suction in a retracted position when the element I6 is inactive, but moves with the latter when element I6 is shifted to active position.

Extending through opening 22 into element I5 and into element I6 is a spring controlledl tube 4I which inclines upwardly from its inner to its outer end. The outer end of tube 4| is pivotally connected to element I6, as at 42. The rear end of tube 4I is secured, to a depending combined guide, suspension and coupling plate 43 which is slidably mounted on the rods 25 and encompasses and is anchored to the rear end of a piston rod 4.4. The latter extends through the registering openings 23, 34 into the vacuum chamber 31 and has its forward end anchored to a piston head 45 operating in chamber 31. The tube 4| in connection with the plate 43, rod 44 and head 45 constitutes a suction operated projector for the element I6.

The element I6 is hollow, of rectangular cross section and formed of an outer and an inner section 46, 4l' respectively. The section 46 is of greater length than and hinged at its inner end, as at 48 to the outer end of section 41. The inner end of section 46 and the outer end of section 41 are disposed at like forward inclinations from the bottom to the top of element I6. The outlet end of section 46 is closed and formed with a lateral stop flange 49 which coacts with the outer end of element I5 for arresting the retractive movement of element I6. The point of connection 49 between rod 39 and element I6 is within section 41 of element I6 in proximity to the forward end of such section. The point of connection 42 between tube 4I and the element I6 is within section 46 of element I6 in proximity to the rear end of such section. The point of connection 49 is arranged in the upper portion of section 41. The point of connection 42 is arranged in the lower portion of section 46. Arranged within section 41 is a coiled spring 49a anchored at its forward end with tube 4I, as at 49b and at its rear end with the rear end of section 41, as at 49c Which acts to normally retain tube 4I in a non-active position.

A pair of suction lines are indicated at 50, 5| which are coupled to cylinder 32 and are for selectively establishing communication between a section source and the chamber 31 forwardly of piston head 45. The line 53 opens into chamber rearwardly of the line 5I. When one of the lines 50 or 5I is open to chamber 31 from a suction creating source, the piston head 45 is pulled forwardly which movement will provide for the tube 4I moving in the same direction to extend or project the element I6 relative to the outer end of element I5. When line 50 is active, the element I6 will be extended or projected to the full line position, (Figure 2). When line 5I is active the element I6 Will be extended to the dotted line position (Figure 2). When line 5I is active it provides for a greater extent of movement to element I6 than that afforded by line 50 when the latter is active. Lines 50 and 5I open into cylinder 32 at different points, 5| being nearest the suction end. When line 50 is exhausted, the piston 45 will of course only move as far as the attachment of line 59 and the signal arm is projected but not raised. When line 5I is exhausted piston 45 travels to the point where 5| is attached, and this further movement raises the arm to the dotted line position in Fig. 2.

The apparatus includes a controlling valve structure 52 which is interposed between the lines 3|, 56, 5I and a suction line 53 leading from a vacuum point on the propulsion means (not shown) for the vehicle. The valve structure 52 includes a stationary body part 54 formed of a pair of end portions 55, 56 and a pair of intermediate portions 51, 58. The inner end of portion merges into the outer end of and is of greater diameter than that of portion 51, the latter at its inner end merges into the outer end of and is of greater outer diameter than that of portion 58 and the latter merges at its inner end into the outer end of and is of greater diameter than that of portion 56. The junction of the portions 56, 58 forms body part 54 with a peripheral shoulder 59 intermediate its end. Ihe cuter periphery of portion 56 is threaded for receiving a clamping nut 69 for a purpose to be referred to. 'I'he body part 54 is of circular cross section and is formed from end to end thereof with an axial bore 6|. 'I'he portion 55 is formed respectively with an angle-shaped port 62 having a vertical leg opening at the outer end and a horizontal leg opening at the outer edge of such portion, an angle-shaped port 63 having a vertical leg opening at the outer end and a horizontal leg opening at the outer edge of such portion, an

angle-shaped port 64 having a vertical leg opening at the outer end and a horizontal leg opening at the outer edge of such portion and an angle-shaped port 65 having a vertical leg opening at the outer end and a horizontal leg opening at the outer edge of such portion. The portion 51 is formed therein with a horizontally disposed channel 66 of arcuate form. The portion 55 is provided with a pair of diametrically opposed ports 61, 68 which at their outer ends open at the outer end of such portion and at their inner ends open into the ends of channel 66. The portion 55 is formed with a radially disposed port 69 which opens at its outer end at the outer edge of portion 55 and at its inner end into the port 68 intermediate the ends of the latter. The suction line 3| is connected to the horizontal leg of the port 62. The suction line 50 is connected to the horizontal leg of the port 63. The suction line 5| is connected to the horizontal leg of the port 64. The port 65 opens into the atmosphere and constitutes an air outlet when communicating with pipe 3| for cylinder 29 rearwardly of piston head 38 and air through lines 50, 5| when communicating with port 65 for cylinder 31 forwardly of piston 45. The line 53 is connected to the port 69.

The valve structure 62 includes a horizontally revoluble valve member 10 which is seated upon the portion 55 of body part 54 and is of disc-like form. The lower face 1I of member 10 is formed with a circular row of depressions or cavities of arcuate contour arranged concentric to the axis thereof. The depressions constitute ley-passes and are indicated at 12, 13, 14. Formed integral with the lower face 1I of member 10 axially thereof is a valve stem 15 of a length to extend through and to depend from the inner end of the bore 6I in body part 54. That portion of stem 15 which depends from bore 6I is reduced, as at 16 and extends into a socket 11 formed in a handle piece 19 slidably engaging with the lower end of body part 54. Within the socket 11 is a flat 19 for engagement b-y a binding screw 80 engaged in handle piece 18 whereby the latter and stem 15 are secured together to move in unison. The handle piece 18 provides means for manually adjusting the valve member 10 for selectively throwing into active position the suction lines 3|, 50, 5I.

The portion 55 of body part 54 is formed with an inset or reduced circular part 8| at its upper or outer end whereby the portion 55 is formed with a peripheral shoulder 82. The valve member 10 seats upon and co-rresponds in diameter to that of part 8|. Mounted on the shoulder 82 and encompassing part 8| and valve member 10 is an upstanding cap member 83 formed at its lower end with an outwardly directed ange 84. The

latter is secured to shoulder 82 by'holdfast means 85 extending through the flange and engaging in sockets 86 formed in the shoulder 82. Arranged within and anchored to the inner face of the body 81 of cap member 83, as well as having its upper end abutting the inner face of the top 88 of member 83 is a sleeve 89, having its lower end spaced from the valve member 10. Positioned in the lower portion of sleeve 89 is a globular retainer 90 against which bears a forcing spring 9| arranged within the sleeve 89 and interposed between the retainer 90 and the inner face of cap top 88. The retainer 90 functions to releasably retain the valve member 10 in its adjusted position. The retainer 90 is associated with a series of spaced depressions 9Ia, 92, 93 in which the retainer selectively engages to form its retaining function. The upper face of valve'member 10 is formed with a pair of spaced upstanding stops 94, 95 which selectively abut the sleeve 89 for limiting the revolving movement of the valve member 10 in opposite directions.

The sides 96, 91 of the section 45 of the element I6 are formed lengthwise thereof with arrow-shaped cutouts 98 across which extend lightemitting plates 99 secured against the inner faces of such sides. Theplates 99 are translucent and may be of any color desired. Secured within the section 46 is a normally inactive electrical illuminated means to which is attached circuit conductor II extending rearwardly therefrom and passing through and projecting from the rear end of tube 4I. The conductor |0| is connected to contact |02 which is secured upon and insulated from rod 44, as well as being insulated from the combined guide, suspension and coupling plate 43. The contact |02 is disposed substantially at right angles to the lower end of plate 43. Anchored to the rear end of one side of the cylinder 32, as well as being insulated from the latter is a rearwardly extended resilient contact |03 arranged in the path of contact |02. Attached to contact |03 is a circuit conductor |04. The contacts |02, |83 are so formed to provide for their coaction to close the circuit for the means |00 when the suction line 50 or 5| is made active by the establishing of communication between it .and the suction line 53.

When the valve structure 52 is: in normal position the depression 12 couples ports 62, 61 together, the depression 13 coup-les the ports 64, 65 together and the depression 14 is idle. When ports 62, 61 are connected together line 3l communicates with line 53 through channel 66 and ports 68, 69 and suction is applied to the retractor. When line 50 is to be made active the valve member 10 is shifted in an anticlockwise direction to provide for the depression 14 to couple ports 63, 68 together whereby line 50 will be in communication with line 53 and which shift will provide for the depression 13`coupling ports 62, 65 together and line 3| will then communicate with the atmosphere forcing the retractor from suction. When line is to be made active, the valve member is shifted in a clockwise direction to couple ports 64, 68 together whereby the line 5| Will be in communication with line 53 and which direction of shift will cause depression 12 to couple ports 62. 65 together and line 50 will then communicate with the atmosphere. When. line 50 or 5| is active the retractor will be carried with the projector. When stop 95 abuts sleeve 89 it will indicate that line 5| is' active with depression 13 coupling ports 64, 68 and depression 12 coupling ports 62, 65 and the abutting of stop 95 with sleeve when valve 10 is moved in a clockwise direction. With valve 10 moving in. clockwise direction stop 94 will abut sleeve 89 to indicate that line 50 is active with depression 14 coupling ports 63, 68 and depression 13 coupling ports 62, 65.

When line 5| is active for suction, it will move the element I6 to an extent whereby the tube 4| will cause the section 46 of element I6 to be swung upwardly, on the connection 42, at a forward inclination with respect tov section 41 of element I6 as indicated in dotted lines, Figure 2.

The element I6 may be, if desired, of the refleeting type, preferably it will be of the illuminable type.

The depression Sla coacts with the retainer 90 for latching line 50 in communication with line 53; the depression 92 coacts with the retainer 99 for latching Valve T9 in its normal position and which is the establishing communication between lines 3i 53; and the depression 93 coacts with the retainer 90 for latching line 5l in communication with line 53.

It is also to be understood that the apparatus may be set up of duplicate form whereby it may be employed at both sides of the vehicle. The illuminating circuit is generally indicated at [95, Figure 14. The shoulder 59 coacts with the nut 60 for clamping the valve structure to a` support. The housing l5 has a drain pipe |06.

What I claim is:

1. In a signaling apparatus, a normally horizontally disposed retracted hollow signal element formed of an outer and an inner section hinged together at their tops and normally disposed in endwise abutting relation, a suction operated outwardly shiftable projector for said element extending through said inner section into and pivotally connected at its outer end to said outer section, a suction operated rearwardly shiftable retractor extending into and fixed at its outer end of said inner section, and means for controlling the extent of the outward shift of the projector to change the signaling position of said element.

2. In a signaling apparatus, a normally horizontally disposed retracted hollow 'signal element formed of an outer and an inner section hinged together at their tops and normally disposed in endwise abutting relation, a suction operated outwardly shiftable projector for said element extending through said inner section into and pivotally connected at its outer end to said outer section, a suction operated rearwardly shiftable retractor extending into and fixed at its outer end to said inner section, means for controlling the extent of the outward shift of the projector to change the signaling position of said element, a housing for said element, and said projector and retractor being arranged within and extending rearwardly from said housing.

3. In a signaling apparatus, a hollow signal element formed of outer and inner sections hinged together, a housing for said element, a projector extending into the housing, through said inner section into said outer section and pivotally connected at its forward end to said outer section, a retractor extending into the housing and into and fixed at its forward end to said inner section, said housing being open at one end, said element being arranged for projecting and retracting it with relation to said open end, a suction operated means acting on the projector for shifting the latter forwardly to project said element to signaling positions, controlling means for said suction operated means for varying the extent of the forward shift of the projector to dispose said element in selected signaling position, and suction operated means acting on the retractor for shifting the latter rearwardly to retract said element for signaling position.

4. In a signaling apparatus, a hollow signal element formed of outer and inner sections hinged together, a housing for said element, a projector extending into the housing, through said inner section into said outer section and` pivotally connected at its forward end to said outer section, a retractor extending into the housing and into and fixed at its forward end to said inner section, said housing being open at one end, said element being arranged for projecting and retracting it with relation to said open end, a suction operated means acting on the projector for shifting the latter forwardly to project said element to signaling positions, controlling means` for said suction operated means for varying the extent of the forward shift of the projector todispose said element in selected signaling position, suction operated means acting on the retractor for shifting the latter rearwardly to retract said element for signaling position, and a controlling spring within said inner section, said spring being fixed at one end to the projector' and at its other end to the rear end of said inner section.

JOSEPH R. HANSEN. 

